Hector Bellerin is in charge of the Arsenal players’ side of wages talks, with both parties hoping to reach some kind of agreement soon.

ESPN report that Bellerin is leading talks with Arsenal on behalf of the players. The two are trying to reach an agreement over some kind of wage cut or deferral. This is to help the club as they continue to pay employee and player wages during the shutdown.

The initial proposal from Arsenal was a 12.5% pay cut for 12 months. The cut would reduce to 7.5% if they make the Europa League, or 0% if they make the Champions League. The players rejected this though, as they’d prefer a wage deferral.

It’s probably a good idea to have Bellerin in charge on the players’ side. He’s one member of the squad who certainly has a moral compass and appears to think deeply about social issues, but he can also represent player interests.

Hopefully, that means he’ll listen to the problems Arsenal and the players are facing, and help them reach some kind of compromise.

It’s hard to say what that compromise should be, from the outside. Obviously, if players taking cuts or deferrals is the only way to keep non-playing staff employed, they should do it.

If the cuts are just to keep the transfer budget intact, it’s up to them what their priorities are – money in their bank accounts or money spent on teammates.

If the club owners (KSE) can invest money, players may rightly ask why they should take cuts whilst the owners don’t take any losses themselves. Currently, that’s still not allowed under FFP, but there’s a suggestion that might change. It’s not an easy situation.